Search

Dark Flower Scarab

The dark flower scarab (Euphoria sepulcralis) is a scarab beetle that apparently eats pollen, nectar, and perhaps other parts of flowers in late spring, sometimes becoming an agricultural pest. The larvae grow up beneath manure or other decaying materials. This scarab is also called the spangled flower beetle, for the white marks on the dark background that give it a star-spangled look.

The famous entomologist J. Henri Fabre wrote that carrion beetles make “a clearance of death on behalf of life.” When we overcome our revulsion, we, too, can appreciate these interesting little grave diggers.

Regs and Areas

Shortened URL

Permalink for this page:
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/21179

Serving Nature and You

MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources. We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature. Read more about our mission.